Lonsdale Community Centre: Powering Resilience and Hope

When the Lonsdale Community Centre first applied for funding from the Northern Powergrid Foundation, their vision was clear: to become a trusted hub for the community during times of crisis, a place where people could find safety, warmth, and support when they needed it most.

Thanks to a £20,000 grant from the Foundation, that vision is now a reality.

The Centre has successfully installed solar panels and energy storage batteries, creating a sustainable energy solution that not only reduces costs but strengthens resilience. In their very first month, through autumn and into winter, the Centre saw its electricity bills cut by half, a remarkable achievement given the rising energy costs that have burdened so many.

But the benefits go far beyond savings. The new battery system can power the entire building for one full day off-grid, and in emergency mode, it can keep essential services running for two days. This means that if a crisis strikes, such as flooding, which Hull is highly vulnerable to, the Lonsdale Centre can remain a lifeline for the community, providing food, warmth, and a safe space when it matters most outside of what they already provide to their community.

Dave Coates, Centre Manager, added:
"The savings we’ve seen already are incredible, but the real value is in what this means for the people we serve. We can now plan for the future with confidence, expand our services, and be there for the community when they need us most. This project has given us the ability to keep helping, no matter what challenges come our way."

Located in one of Hull’s most deprived areas, where fuel poverty and low incomes are everyday realities, the Centre already plays a vital role. It offers a food bank, free community meals, a winter warm zone, and a meeting point for vulnerable groups. By reducing energy costs, the Centre can now reinvest savings into expanding these services, feeding more families, keeping the warm zone open longer, and supporting those who need it most.

Dr. Kevin Scott Paulson, a volunteer at the Centre, shared:
"This project is a game-changer for our community. Knowing that we can keep the doors open and the lights on, even during a crisis, gives people confidence and security. It’s not just about energy; it’s about resilience and hope for everyone who relies on the Centre."

This project is more than solar panels and batteries, it’s about resilience, hope, and community. It’s about ensuring that when the unexpected happens, the people of Hull have somewhere to turn. And it’s a powerful example of how sustainable energy can transform lives.

Northern Powergrid Foundation is proud to support the Lonsdale Community Centre in building a brighter, stronger future for everyone.